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Innovative Solutions for Wildfire Risks to Utility Infrastructure
As wildfires increasingly threaten areas serviced by various electric utilities, the urgency for effective protective measures grows. These fires are not only growing in size but also in frequency, prompting utility companies to seek out proactive solutions.
In a recent episode of the Factor This podcast, host Paul Gerke engaged in a dialogue with Craig Clements, a prominent expert from San Jose State University, about the escalating risk that wildfires pose to utility infrastructure. They examined how Hexion’s ArmorBuilt product could serve as a vital protection mechanism for essential electrical equipment.
Clements highlighted the alarming trend of growing wildfire activity, particularly in the western United States and California over recent years. “The trend shows substantial increases in severe wildfires, and as climate conditions evolve, we can anticipate even more intense fire episodes in the coming decades,” he stated.
Understanding the stakes involved, Steve Willoughby, Hexion’s senior director of building materials, emphasized the company’s commitment to community safety and life preservation. “Our team recognized the pressing need to address this issue and came together with the objective of finding viable solutions,” he remarked.
The outcome of their efforts is the ArmorBuilt Wildfire Shield, a technologically advanced safety measure designed to elevate fire protection for utilities. This product features a protective mesh that activates under extreme heat, effectively shielding utility poles from damage and preventing severe failures.
Willoughby likened the function of the ArmorBuilt system to that of an airbag for vehicles, stating it can withstand temperatures reaching up to 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit. “It’s an exceptionally robust barrier,” he noted, adding that the results from field tests, as confirmed by Dr. Clements, have been highly encouraging.
As communities and utilities face the reality of rising wildfire risks, innovations like Hexion’s ArmorBuilt present a promising approach to reinforcing the safety and resilience of critical infrastructure against the devastating impacts of these natural disasters.
Source
www.renewableenergyworld.com